NFL week 1 betting – free picks for every match – bookmaker specials

While much of the country engages in the never-ending saga involved with peaceful protest, the US national anthem and black-listed players, punters turn their attention to the full suite of odds in week one of the 2018/19 NFL season.

With 32 teams competing in 16 huge matches over the first weekend of action, there are a number of quality bets on offer for shrewd punters.

Atlanta Falcons vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Eagles -1, O/U 44.5

The defending champions Eagles start their title defense on Thursday night and with Carson Wentz still recovering from last season’s knee injury Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles will get the start. The Falcons made the playoffs last season, but Matt Ryan and the offense was not the dynamic one it was in the Super Bowl run the previous season. Take the Eagles in this one.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns

Pittsburgh -4, O/U 45.5

Big Ben and the Steelers hit the road to face a new look Browns’ team that has a new QB, RB, and #1 WR. Last season the Steelers won their opening game against the Browns, who went 0-16 last season. Big Ben is 22-2 all time against Cleveland and he may lead the Steelers to a win in this game, but the Browns will cover the spread.

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis -3, O/U 48.5

Andrew Luck is back for the Colts, but will his shoulder hold up? I think it will and facing the Bengals, who have issues on both sides of the ball, Indianapolis will win and cover the spread.

Tennessee Titans vs. Miami Dolphins

Tennessee -1.5, O/U 45

The Titans made the playoffs last season and in the off season they hired a new head coach and a new offensive coordinator. The Dolphins get Ryan Tannehill back under center after a knee injury cost him last season. Take the Titans in this one, as they may break out on offence with a new guy at the helm and Marcus Mariota may be poised for a big season.

San Francisco 49ers vs. Minnesota Vikings

San Francisco -6.5, O/U 46

Kirk Cousins begins his reign in Minnesota after the team broke the bank to sign him. Jimmy Garoppolo was 5-0 last season as the 49ers starter after coming to them in a trade with the Patriots, but that streak will end in this game. Minnesota has a great defense and that until will get it done in this game with the Vikes winning and covering the spread.

Houston Texas vs. New England Patriots

New England -6.5, O/U 51

The Patriots only giving 6.5 points in the season opener? Yeah, Tom Brady and company will pick up where they left off last season and win this game and covering the spread.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New Orleans Saints

New Orleans -9.5, O/U 49.5

Jameis Winston is out for this game serving his three-game suspension, this game is in the Big Easy, and New Orleans still has Drew Brees under center. Yeah, take the Saints in this one to win and cover even giving almost 10 points in a game that could get ugly for the Bucs.

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. New York Giants

Jacksonville -3, O/U 42.5

The Jags have a great defense, but can the offense keep up? Eli Manning is back for another season and the G-Men and they are banking that the second pick in the draft in RB Saquon Barkley can give New York a run game they have not had in some time. That may happen, but not in this game, as the Jags will dominate on D and win and cover in the Big Apple.

Buffalo Bills vs. Baltimore Ravens

Buffalo -7.5, O/U 40.5

The Bills used a high draft pick to take Josh Allen, who is one the bench in this game. The Ravens are the pretty big betting favorite at home, but the Bills made the playoffs last season and Buffalo will at least cover the spread in this game.

Kansas City Chiefs vs. LA Chargers

LA -3.5, O/U 48

The Chiefs have a new QB in Patrick Mahomes, many weapons on offence, and they have won eight in a row over the Chargers. However, LA won nine of 12 games after an 0-4 start last season and they will win and cover at home in this game.

USD$520

Bovada

$250

BetOnline

$5,000

Seattle Seahawks vs. Denver Broncos

Denver -2.5, O/U 43

The Broncos are the favorites in this game? Case Keenum is the new QB and the defense should be a good one, but Seattle will surprise teams this season and will cover this game, even though the Legion of Boom is no longer.

Washington Redskins vs. Arizona Cardinals

Arizona -1, O/U 44

The Skins and Cardinals have new QB’s this season and each team has issues on defense. Alex Smith takes over for Washington and the underrated QB will start his career in hot form for the Redskins, who will win the season opener.

Dallas Cowboys vs. Carolina Panthers

Carolina -3, O/U 42.5

The Cowboys missed out on the playoffs last season with star RB Ezekiel Elliot missing a few games. Cam Newton and the Panthers did make the playoffs last season, upgraded at the RB position, and they have a good defense. Take Carolina in this opener at home only giving three points.

Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers

Green Bay -7.5, O/U 47.5

Aaron Rodgers is back for the Packers after missing much of last season with an injury. Oh yeah, and this game is at Green Bay, so take the Packs to win and cover.

New York Jets vs. Detroit Lions

Detroit -6.5, O/U 45

Sam Darnold got the starting nod as the QB for New York and while he may be their guy to lead them to many wins one will not come in this game. Matthew Stafford will light up the Jets’ secondary and in the Motor City the Lions will win and cover.

LA Rams vs. Oakland Raiders

LA -4, O/U 49.5

The Rams were the highest scoring team in the NFL last season and face the Raiders, who traded their best defensive player in the off season in Khalil Mack. The Rams are legit on both sides of the ball and will show that in this game even on the road winning and covering the spread.